The Best Business Casual Shoes for Women: Spring/Summer 2025
Heading back in for RTO? You’re not alone—and the shift in office style is real. From footwear swaps to fabric updates, here’s how business casual is evolving and what it means for your shoe lineup.
Office style didn’t just shift—it transformed. The pandemic reset how we think about dressing for work. Pre-2020, many offices relied on rigid norms: pencil skirts, high heels, and structured everything. Today, ease and flexibility define the modern business casual wardrobe. We’re seeing softer silhouettes, more breathable fabrics, and above all—an expectation that clothing should work with your day, not against it. Retailers have even reworked their office sections to reflect this shift, offering polished yet flexible pieces that prioritize comfort without sacrificing professionalism.
Footwear plays a central role in that shift. The right pair doesn’t just complete an outfit—it sets the tone for how you move through your day. And in the spring and summer, those choices matter even more. Lightweight styles, breathable materials, and versatility become non-negotiables.
What You’ll Find Here:
- Smart styling tips to help you build outfits around your shoes
- The biggest changes in post-pandemic office footwear
- Why sneakers and knits didn’t make this list
- Our favorite polished spring/summer picks, all under 3 inches
Why We’re Skipping Sneakers and Knits in this Business Casual Shoe Guide
We’re skipping sneakers and knit shoes in this guide—not because they aren’t great, but because they shine best in more casual settings. Knit shoes have built a loyal following for good reason: they’re lightweight, breathable, and incredibly comfortable. But for business casual environments that lean more traditional, we prefer shoes made from leather or vegan leather for a more structured, polished look.
Best Business Casual Shoes for Spring/Summer 2025
These picks are grounded in the reality of today’s workplace: elevated and comfortable styles that seamlessly pair with spring-ready pieces like wide-leg trousers, lightweight midi skirts, short-sleeved blouses, and breezy work dresses.
Polished Loafers
Structured, Season-Ready, and Always Polished
Swap out black for summer-friendly shades like cream, taupe, cognac, or blush. Loafers instantly ground your look with polish—just choose a pair that fits your vibe:
- With Embellishments: Choose loafers with chain links, metallic hardware, or croc embossing for a more elevated feel.
- Without Embellishments: Sleek and timeless. Ideal for everyday wear with minimal fuss
Style Tip: Try pairing ivory loafers with wide-leg linen trousers and a tucked-in sleeveless blouse.
SG Suggestions:
- Sarah Flint loafers
- M.Gemi for Spring/Summer suede loafers
- M.M. La Fleur classic loafers
Modern Ballet Flats
Not Your 2010 Flats—This Is the Modern Twist
Updated takes on this classic are trending again—think structured soles, square toes, and dainty straps. These are not your 2010 flats. They’re a modern twist on the classic, refined enough to wear with wide-leg trousers or midi dresses.
Style Tip: Wear almond-toe ballet flats with a midi skirt and a crisp button down tucked in.
SG Suggestions:
- M.Gemi modern ballet flats (see our review here!)
- A.Soliani flats with longer toe box
Pointed-Toe Flats
Sleek and Elongating
These give you that extra polish without the heel. They work especially well with straight-leg pants and structured tops.
Style Tip: Wear pointed flats with trousers.
SG Suggestions:
- Sarah Flint pointed leather flats
- Margaux pointed leather flats
- Aeyde pointed flat mary-janes
Low Block-Heel Pumps (1–1.5 inches)
Your Go-To for Power Meetings—Without the Pain
Block heels are your best bet when you want a little lift but still need to move. A pointed toe adds length, while the heel shape keeps things grounded.
Style Tip: Pair low block heels with a short-sleeved blouse and ankle-length trousers for a structured but breathable spring look.
SG Suggestions:
Stylishly Grounded Point of View
This edit was born from a gap we kept noticing—too many business casual shoes were either too trendy or too relaxed. We believe you can have both comfort and class. The brands we recommend don’t just look good—they perform. They support your lifestyle, your style, and your standards.
Because getting dressed should feel effortless—from the ground up.
Next Steps
- Read This Next
Explore our companion guide on Comfortable Casual Work Shoes—perfect for casual offices, travel days, and sneaker-appropriate settings. - Save This
Bookmark this guide to revisit during your next wardrobe refresh or seasonal switch-up. - Share It
Know someone else navigating business casual this season? Pass this along—they’ll thank you later. - Explore the Shoe Edit
Check out the Shoe Edit for more articles for polished comfort, perfectly curated.
→ Discover the best mid-luxury shoes
Why Trust Stylishly Grounded
Stylishly Grounded is dedicated to providing honest, well-researched recommendations for footwear that blends comfort and style. Our editorial choices are guided by our mission to help readers find high-quality, wearable shoes that truly fit their needs. We are committed to curating content that prioritizes thoughtful insight and practical value, ensuring every selection aligns with the preferences and lifestyles of our audience. Transparency and trust are at the core of everything we do, and any future collaborations will always be clearly disclosed.
Polished Comfort, Perfectly Curated.
Get exclusive updates on the latest low-heeled, chic shoe trends and timeless favorites—delivered straight to your inbox.
